Solar power in New Hampshire cleared a major hurdle Monday
after Gov. Maggie Hassan signed a bill into law that doubles the state cap for
net metering, an incentive that lets people sell their excess solar energy back
into the grid.
A surge in renewable development recently led two utilities
in the state – including the largest in New Hampshire – to reach a state-set
cap limiting how many customers can net meter.
Solar developers said the cap threatened business and could
shut -down the industry, because net metering is makes their projects
financially viable.
The bill Hassan signed immediately doubles the net metering
cap from 50 to 100 megawatts. It also requires the Public Utilities Commission
to review current net metering rates and set new ones within 10 months, if
deemed necessary.
Utilities and some business groups have said solar customers
don’t pay their fair share for pole and wire upkeep because of the net metering
reimbursement.
While net metering is most often discussed as a solar
incentive, it can also be used by wind and hydropower projects.
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